Event Toolkit
Language & Expressions Exchange: Say It in My Language
Theme Purpose:
To invite participants to share simple phrases, greetings, or expressions from their heritage languages — along with their meanings and cultural context.
This activity encourages curiosity, cross-cultural learning, and appreciation for the many languages woven into American life.
It supports DOI250AA’s purpose: Asian American–led community building that encourages everyone to learn from one another and strengthen connections across cultures as we approach America’s 250th year.
Group Size
4–20 people
Time Needed
45–60 minutes total.
Materials
- Paper & markers or small whiteboards for writing phrases
- Chairs arranged in a circle or small groups
- Optional: index cards to take home as “phrase cards”
Step-by-Step Program
1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)
“Welcome to ‘Language & Expressions Exchange.’ Today we’ll teach each other short phrases from the languages that shape our families and our lives — whether from Asia, the U.S., or anywhere in the world.
This is part of DOI250AA, an Asian American–led initiative focused on helping communities learn from one another and celebrate the many voices that make up America’s story.”
2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)
Choose one:
Share your name, your heritage, and a word you love in any language.
Or share one expression you hear often at home or in your community.
This sets a friendly, welcoming tone for all backgrounds.
3. Exchange Activity (30–35 minutes)
Step 1 — Sharing (2–3 minutes each)
Each participant:
Says a greeting or short expression in their heritage language
(e.g., “你好,” “Aloha,” “Habari,” “Gracias,” “Annyeong,” “Salam,” “Y’all good?”)
Explains its meaning and when it’s used
(daily life, family, celebrations, school, work, etc.)
Shares a short personal memory connected to the phrase
(optional but encouraged)
Step 2 — Practice Together
Everyone repeats the phrase for fun.
The goal is connection, not perfect pronunciation.
4. Group Reflection (5–10 minutes)
Prompts:
“Which phrase will you remember?”
“Did any expression remind you of something in your own culture?”
“How can learning just a few words help us understand one another better?”
5. Closing & Positive Action (5 minutes)
Step 1 — Reflection Notes
Participants write:
The phrase they shared
One new phrase they learned
How language can help them connect with neighbors, classmates, or coworkers
Step 2 — Submit to DOI250AA
Encourage participants to upload their phrase and reflection to the DOI250AA website.
Remind them of BoostInMinutes.com incentives.
Host Closing Script:
“When we share our languages, we share pieces of our lives and experiences. Every phrase makes it easier for us to understand one another — and strengthens the community we build together.”
Optional Add-ons
- Phrase Wall: Post all phrases with translations on a board or wall.
- Mini Video Clips: Record each person saying their phrase for the DOI250AA site.
- Cultural Tie-ins: Pair the phrase with a cultural object, food, or photo.
Connect With DOI250AA
We’d love to hear from you—community members, sponsors, partners, cultural enthusiasts, educators, and friends. Your insight and support help us bridge cultures, generations, and regions. Use the contact form or email us at support@doi250aa.net. For mail: 5831 Forward Ave, Unit #918, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Please answer the math question to help us prevent robotic spam.
Take the Reflection Survey & Receive a Free Copy of The Quiet Awakening